Leadership, Ego & the Art of Failing Gracefully
In this candid and charged conversation moderated by Harish Hande, CEO of SELCO Foundation, the panel dives deep into the emotional and organizational consequences of failure. Featuring long-time SELCO leaders Thomas Pullenkav, Huda Jaffer, and Rachita Misra, the discussion balances raw introspection with humor and accountability.
From hiring mistakes and failed gender programs to the slow erosion of trust due to hasty announcements, the speakers acknowledge how civil society often misses the mark and how that affects both internal culture and ground-level beneficiaries.
The conversation doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable topics: founder syndrome, the pressure from funders, burnout, and the challenges of growing an institution without losing its soul. Through laughter, vulnerability, and sharp criticism, the panel reminds us that the ability to own, dissect, and act on failures is what builds resilient systems and leaders.
